The Pearl arrived home in less time that what the original journey took. Elizabeth had been a peace throughout the whole journey. She kept reassuring her son that his father would be home soon. Jack and Jess were worried about her but they did not want to dash her hopes. While Jack tried to have the faith Elizabeth had, he was afraid that he would never see his best friend again. Jess never said anything to Elizabeth, which was hard for her not to do, but just tried to be the best friend that she could. Jasmine had returned to her mischievous ways. Mr. Cotton's parrot now flew away whenever the small child got within 10 paces of the bird. Mr. Gibbs had been found tied up at least three times on the voyage home, one of the times he was left overnight. Marty's shins were black and blue from the little girls kicks. Jack tried to discipline the little girls but to no avail. Jack knew this little girl carried the parent's curse – his father had told him, "I hope you have a child just like you some day." Then of course after that statement from Teague, Jack was always spanked. Now history was repeating itself and like Jack the spankings were of little if no effect.

William had stayed close to Elizabeth. Although Elizabeth never let on that she was frightened or lonely, William knew it and was her comfort. He played some with Jasmine but it often brought trouble to both of them so he used his mother as an excuse and told her to find someone else to play with.

Jack and Jess were so happy to return home from such a long voyage. Actually there was a silent cheer from the crew as Jasmine stepped off the Pearl. The sigh of relief was evident in everyone. Jack smiled as he put Jasmine down on the beach to run around. "Now, maybe a little peace," he told Jess.

"I doubt it Captain Sparrow. She is your child after all," Jess smilled.

"Yours too me love. You gave birth to her."

"Yes and she almost killed me then."

"Jack, Jess. William and I are going to the house. Some of the crew will be bringing William and I some provisions if you don't mind Jack," Elizabeth said.

"No love, but Jess and I were wondering if you wanted to stay with us for a while," Jack answered. Elizabeth almost looked hurt and Jack quickly added, "just until Will returns of course."

Elizabeth looked at Jack. "Don't feel pity for me Jack. I'll be fine and my husband will return to me. And if he doesn't then Jack I'll be prepared for that as well. You both are close by and should we need you it will only take a good yell."

Jack nodded in agreement. He didn't like the idea but he did understand. Jess put her arms around Elizabeth, "You won't mind if we check in on you often without a yell."

Elizabeth smiled at Jess, "of course not. Besides I doubt Jasmine would stay away from us for very long."

Weeks had past and there was no sign of Will but Elizabeth still refused to give up hope. She didn't talk about it but she was always looking out to sea.

"Jack, do you really think he'll be coming back," Jess asked one night while in bed.

"I don't know love. But she thinks he's going to come home and that's what's important."

"I just hate seeing her waiting always looking out to sea waiting for another ship. That ship may never come Jack."

"And you'll be there if that day comes when she gives up, love. We all be there for her and young William."

Jess snuggled in close to Jack. He put his arm around her and held her tightly. "I hope I never have to go through what she's going through," Jess said sadly.

"I hope not either love, for it wouldn't hold good for me as well."

They were both silent now just enjoying the embrace of one another. They slowly drifted off into an uneasy sleep.

Jasmine was up early wanting to play. She wanted to go play with William but Jess made her stay around the house until after lunch. Jack had gone to tell Mr. Gibbs to round up provisions for the Pearl. He planned on sailing out within a week. While he didn't want to give up on Will, life was continuing without him.

Finally Jess walked with Jasmine to Elizabeth's home. She knocked on the door and the two were asked inside. "Can we play outside Mum," Jasmine asked Jess.

"If it's alright with William's mom, I suppose you can," Jess answered.

Elizabeth gave a nod as approval and kissed William on the forehead as he scurried outside with Jasmine. "Don't go too far," she said.

Elizabeth and Jess talked for hours. Some of it was reminiscing of the good times the four had shared and some of it was Elizabeth's stories of her falling in love with Will. Jess' heart was breaking but she felt it was doing Elizabeth some good. Finally she told Elizabeth that it would be getting dark soon so she needed to collect Jasmine and go home.

The two women walked outside and looked around for the children. They didn't see them any where. They called for them and heard no answers. "Maybe they went to your home," Elizabeth said.

"I suppose that could be the case. You stay here and I'll go check. If they are not there at least I can bring Jack back to help us look for them," Jess said already starting on her path to the house.

She ran to her home and opened the door. "Jasmine. William. Are you here?"

"Jess, what's wrong love," Jack asked looking at her strangely.

"The children, they were playing outside and now we can't find them. They won't answer our calls," Jess was now starting to worry.

"That girl will be the death of both of us," Jack said grabbing his coat, pistol and sword.